Donations and requests for breweries in need are accepted until May 17
Boulder, Colorado. • April 24, 2020 – The Brewers Association (BA) – the trade association representing small independent American craft brewers – has partnered with bottle sharing—a non-profit fundraising organization dedicated to the craft beverage community—to create the Believe in Beer Fund to support breweries and state brewing guilds impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund is open to breweries and guilds nationwide to apply for immediate financial assistance for operational expenses such as payroll, rent and utilities.
According to a survey by the Brewers Association earlier this month, independent craft breweries have been severely impacted by COVID-19, as evidenced by a sharp drop in craft category sales, mass furloughs or layoffs, and the sharp likelihood of a large number of brewery closures under social distancing mandates. A majority of breweries do not think their business can last three months given the current conditions.
“This is a very difficult time for breweries and their livelihoods are at risk. We hope that the creation of this relief fund with Bottleshare will provide an answer to the most common question beer lovers have during this unprecedented times: “How can I help?” said Bob Pease, President and CEO of the Brewers Association. “The craft beer community is steeped in collaboration and philanthropy, and it is now our chance to come together and give back to our most vulnerable breweries.”
From today until the end of American Craft Beer Week® on May 17, beer lovers can contribute to the fund by visiting GoFundMe.com. Relief funds will be available to state breweries and guilds that demonstrate immediate financial need due to COVID-19 and meet the stated criteria. Those who need it can find more information here and apply for a grant here. Bottleshare will review applications and select recipients as needed.
“Bottleshare was created to support industry workers and their families when they are struggling,” said Christopher Glenn, Founder of Bottleshare. “In these uncertain times, when support is needed more than ever, we are proud to partner with the Brewers Association to return the love and strength that characterizes the craft beer community and help the breweries that make it so special.”
For more information on the Believe in Beer fund, please visit TheBottleshare.org.
The Brewers Association has also created a Coronavirus Resource Center to provide small, independent craft brewers with an evolving collection of resources to help them weather the storm. All resources created by the Brewers Association regarding COVID-19 are available free of charge to members and non-members.
Contact: Jenelle Scott (on behalf of the Brewers Association), jenelle.scott@backbonemedia.net, 970.963.4873 x224
About Bottleshare
Bottleshare is a non-profit fundraising and distribution organization for the craft beverage industry. The group raises funds through various collaborations and partnerships within the community, as well as the generous support of donors and sponsors. Bottleshare then provides emergency financial assistance to brewery, winery and distillery workers who have experienced extreme hardship outside of the workplace preventing them from working and generating an income.
To learn more about Bottleshare, visit TheBottleshare.org and follow on social media @bottleshareofficial.
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About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the nonprofit trade association dedicated to America’s small, independent brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents more than 5,600 American breweries. The BA Independent Craft Brewer Seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers from small independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the beer world cup®, Great American Oktoberfest®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, FLAVOR™: An American Craft Beer and Dining Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The new brewer® magazines, and Brewers publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the United States. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the vibrant world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and on homebrewing via BAs American Homebrew Association® and free Brewing Guru® mobile app. follow us on Facebook, Twitter and instagram.
The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, orientation or marital/family status. The BA complies with the provisions of Executive Order 13672 and relevant rules, regulations and orders of the Secretary of Labor.
